Scuba Diving Trips in Utila

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Utila map
Utila is a small Caribbean island located off the northern coast of Honduras. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The island is part of the Bay Islands of Honduras and is the smallest of the three major islands.

The island is positioned right on the edge of the Mesoamerican Barrier reef and is surrounded by an abundance of marine life. While diving the clear Caribbean waters, you are bound to see eagle rays, hawksbill sea turtles, nurse sharks, parrotfish, angel fish and seahorses.

What To Expect

Scuba Diving

Utila has over 80 dive sites to choose from, ranging from wreck diving to swim throughs to shallow corals. Utila is also known as one of the whale shark capitals of the Caribbean. It is one of the only places on the planet where whale sharks are documented year-round, so no matter when you travel to Utila, there’s a chance you’ll be lucky enough to swim with one.

Keep your eyes out for:

  • Whale sharks
  • Sea turtles
  • Octopus
  • Snappers
  • Groupers
  • Parrotfish
  • Spotted eagle rays
  • Stingrays

Recommended Specialty Courses

  • Wreck diving
  • Nitrox
  • Fish identification
  • Boat diving
  • Night & limited visibility
Utila

Conservation efforts

One of the leading marine research groups in Utila is The Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center (WSORC). The center conducts surveys and treats stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), reef fish surveys, lionfish removal dives where every part of the lionfish is used and whale shark education.  

WSORC is the only non-profit to have been granted a research permit to study whale sharks by the Honduran Environmental Department. Their team established the Whale Shark Encounter Guidelines to promote responsible eco-tourism. In 2008, these guidelines were passed through the Honduran parliament as the government made more efforts to protect whale sharks from unsustainable tourism practices.

During your stay at the Utila Lodge, marine biologists will give presentations on whale sharks and any other topic you may be interested in during the evenings at the bar. Learn more here.

Utila Lodge presentations

Utila Lodge

On the dive boats, you’ll be treated like royalty. Every morning and afternoon, your tanks and gear will be waiting for you all set up and ready for the next adventure. Ice cold water and fresh fruit will be available to you on each set of dives.

 

Utila

Utila Lodge

Utila Lodge has eight beautiful island-style private rooms built out over the Caribbean with modern amenities, private bathrooms and private screened in porches. Each room has a queen and a double bed and the bathrooms have his and her sinks. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and free high-speed wireless internet. Utila Lodge will exceed your expectations with personalized service, incredible diving and five star hospitality!

 

Utila

Culture

On the island of Utila, you won’t find cars. Instead, the way to get around is by walking, tuk tuk, moped or ATV. Being a smaller island makes it easy to explore and discover all it has to offer, including the friendly people. Enjoy crystal-clear waters, scuba diving along the second largest barrier reef and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the island.  

Jasper’s Animal Shelter

Visitors can partake in the unique experience of visiting Jasper’s Animal Shelter where they can spend time with the animals. Visitors are able to volunteer to walk a dog around the island.  

San Gervasio

Utila Chocolate Factory

Chocolate lovers and non-chocolate lovers alike will enjoy a trip to the Utila Chocolate Factory. Visitors enjoy a behind–the–scenes tour on making the chocolate from scratch, and they can even sample the different kinds of chocolate. Along with chocolate bars, there is ice cream, smoothies and more! 

San Gervasio

Pumpkin Hill Cove

Head to Pumpkin Hill Cove to experience the sandy but rocky cove. If you’re feeling brave, walk to the abandoned observation tower that takes you through lush trees and colorful flowers. The tower offers breathtaking 360° views of the island.  

What prior travelers say
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“I have been on over five trips with Diventures and plan to keep coming back! The staff is friendly and the trip leaders are great.”

Traveler Photos

Know Before You Go

Dive Insurance

Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.

Electricity

There are no adapters required. If you’re visiting from the States, you won’t need to worry about an adapter for your cell phone or computer.

Temperature

Temperatures around this time of year will be around 80ºF. Normal water temperature will range between 79ºF – 80ºF and currents will be light to moderate. The typical visibility is around 100 feet.

Money

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted. Be sure to bring small bills that are in good condition. ATMs are available to get the local currency of Lempiras out.

Dress Code

As laid back as you want. You’re in paradise on your own island.

Passport

Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.

Language

English

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